Lexington High Class of 2015 graduates

Lexington High School students were told to cherish the present and look forward to the future prior to graduating at the Tsongas Center in Lowell on Sunday, June 7.

“How did it get so late so soon,” Senior Class President Makeda Daniel asked her 487 graduating classmates, after quoting a poem from Dr. Seuss.

She went on to tell members of the Class of 2015 to “harvest all that is in the present” as they live their lives according to time.

“We so consciously and subconsciously live our lives around it. Time is a variation of the past, present and future and the weight of importance you place on each is what makes you unique,” she said.

Look at the photo gallery from Sunday's Commencement Ceremony and see who was Seen on Scene. Also check out the members of the Class of 2015.

Commencement address speaker and owner of Rancatore’s Ice Cream and Yogurt, Joe Rancatore Jr. told the graduates to capture each moment of graduation and look back on them in five years to see how far they’ve come.

“Some of you will follow the paths of a plan you’re sure of. Some of you will be like me and will be finding your path in unexpected places,” he said. “But all of you sitting here today will be a different person five years from now than you are today.”

Student speaker Mark Rosenberg echoed Rancatore’s message and told his fellow graduates that they will be lifelong learners.

“The message is we all can be each other’s students and teachers. All we have to do is open ourselves to each other,” he said. “There is far, far more we can learn from each other if we listen and learn from everybody we cross paths with.”

Faculty speaker Shane Wilson reminded the graduates they are capable of facing challenges head on and told them to make the effort to reach out to new people.

“There are no shortcuts to develop your potential. This class is an excellent example of that model,” he said. “Put away your cellphones and look up. You will be amazed by the people you say ‘hi’ to. Talk to real people for more than 450 characters a time and you will live a life well lived.”

Selectman Peter Kelley and School Committee Chairman Jessie Steigerwald told graduates to take care of themselves and their future while remembering where they came from and who they are.

“Remember how fortunate you all are to have gotten your education in the birthplace of American liberty,” Kelley said. “Make each day count, set your goals high and follow through.”

“You’re the most tested generation is history. Yet, there is no score that can accurately measure the strength of this class of Lexington High School,” Steigerwald said.

Lexington High School Principal Laura Lasa also recognized the graduating class’s athletic and academic achievements and told them to keep striving for excellence beyond that and to continue being responsible and respectful citizens.

“You’re value is much more than these accolades,” she said. “Embrace the unknown so you’re less anxious for the future.”

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